posted on May 16, 2001 02:22:55 PM
I'm hoping someone can answer a question. I'm trying to clean house - spring cleaning time! Anyway, I came across 2 old Rogers silver grapefruit spoons stuffed in a drawer. I checked them on ebay, and they sell somewhat. I'm wondering if it's better to use tarn-x and clean the tarnish off, or leave them tarnished. I thought I had heard once never clean an antique, but all the ones up for auction are shiny and silver...what do you think?
posted on May 16, 2001 02:25:09 PM
Well, if I was going to clean it, I wouldn't use tarn-x. The reason that stuff works so fast is it takes a wee bit of silver off w/the grime.
I've been strictly lectured by several fine jewelry companies NEVER to use the stuff.
You won't be able to see any flaws fully unless you DO polish them. I use Wright's Silver Cream (I get it at Wal-Mart), and it does a very nice job. You'll get more bids with untarnished silver, and your buyers will appreciate an honest and complete description with great pictures! (FYI I've seen these listed as just "fruit spoon"--you might want to use both terms in your listing for maximum exposure.)
If you don't know the pattern name, see if a local antique store or your library has Tere Hagan's ID guides for silverplate and sterling flatware. Even if you have the pattern name, additional keywords in the title and/or description (i.e. vintage, ornate, art deco, art nouveau, etc.) will help those bidders who don't know the name of the pattern they want.
posted on May 16, 2001 02:57:04 PM
Thanks for all the help! I found 2 more while I was cleaning - now I have 4! They aren't very ornate, but they're just taking up needed space at this point. I'll definately clean them up - with something other than tarn-x (in fact I think I'll just throw that bottle away....unless it would sell on ebay ...just kidding...I tend to always think twice before throwing stuff away now)
Don't throw away the Tarn-X - it's ok for less expensive stuff with really bad tarnish probs.
I think that tarnish is actually an oxidation of the metal, so a little bit of silver is always lost - Tarn-X is harsh for small items and items of any real value though. Also, don't use it on anything that isn't just metal - i.e. anything with stones, etc.
posted on May 16, 2001 07:47:03 PM
Sheesh! I use tarn-x all the time and have never had a problem! It's wonderful because it's so fast. I guess I'd better start being a little more careful.
Also, I agree that it's best to polish the silver, then people know exactly what they're getting.
posted on May 16, 2001 08:10:32 PM
Before you try the harsher chemicals, especially if you are going to have to purchase them, try baking soda.
Just use a small amount of water to form a paste of the baking soda, about the consistancy of tooth paste, and rub gently. Your finger tips or a soft rag works quite well and baking soda is not abrasive.
It is much easier to use than silver polish, just rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.
It can't be MY "fault", I've NEVER owned a "fault"!
posted on May 16, 2001 08:14:22 PM
I've tried Tarn-X in the past, but I find it leaves the piece looking too "white" and it ends up looking cheap. It just doesn't have the "depth" to the shine that you can get with old-fashioned rubbing (I don't like machine buffing, because I DON'T like black polish residue in the crevices--it takes more work to do it by hand, but it ends up looking MUCH better). I have (several times) re-polished the pieces that I used Tarn-X on, and they are gradually looking better.
BTW if you've used Tarn-X, don't say so in the auction!!!
...just kidding...I tend to always think twice before throwing stuff away now)